Water meter installed at ‘fake’ house

Irish Water has been slammed for putting a water meter outside a ‘fake’ house in Co Donegal.

The derelict house, which has been boarded up for many years, is located on Ballybofey’s Main St. The local Tidy Towns Association even painted fake curtains, plant pots, and windows on the building.

However, that didn’t stop contractors from GMC Sierra from installing a water meter at the house last week.

Two workmen spent two hours fitting the meter and installing a cap.

The move has been slammed by local Fianna Fáil county councillor Patrick McGowan, who said it was a “complete waste of resources”.

He said Irish Water must stop placing meters outside derelict houses and concentrate on fixing leaks instead.

“This is just a complete waste of money and resources. They just cannot go around and place water meters at every building,” he said.

“The local Tidy Towns committee are active in trying to make these derelict buildings presentable. And now money and resources are being spent on placing water meters at them.

“Irish Water would need to step back and take a look at where they are spending their resources.

“All this money would be better spent improving the quality of water and making sure leaks are fixed.”